As 2017 closes out, many SmartBrief food and beverage readers were drawn to news about topics that will impact the industry in 2018. Nestle’s plan to sell its US confectionery unit during the first quarter of the new year was the week’s most-read story, followed by news about how Kroger will bring handheld, cashier-less scanning technology to 400 locations in 2018.

Restaurant stories also ranked high with readers, who were interested in the news that Papa John’s CEO John Schnatter will step down from his role at the company’s helm, as well as two stories about celebrity chef and author Anthony Bourdain.

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